Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt has reacted to the recent bout of failed drug test by his compatriots as he gears up for the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Game at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stadium on July 26 through to 28.
Asafa Powell and Sheronne Simpsons headlined five of Jamaica’s athletes that tested positive for banned substances in a test carried out at a Jamaica Invitational on May 4.
America’s Tyson Gay was notified by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that his ‘A’ sample from an out-of-competition test in May, likewise, tested positive.
The six-time Olympic gold medalist insists he is “clean” in the wake of the recent failed drug tests.
“I’m clean,” he said. “But you have to be very careful as an athlete because right now there are lot of things on the banned list.”
Bolt, 27, who will be aiming to add to his 16 Diamond League meetings titles in the 100m in London, believes athletes should be role models and, always be courteous, so they don’t out step their boundaries.
“There’s a lot of things that haven’t been said so I’m just waiting to see what happens. In life things happen and people make mistakes.
“In life you learn anything is possible, but as an athlete you have to be aware, but that’s why you have a team to have to help you out with these things.
“I was made to inspire people and run and that’s the gift I have. I know I am clean and I just want to improve the sport and that is what I am going to do.”
Bolt, who emerged runner-up behind America’s Justin Gatlin at last month’s Rome Gala, will be up against fellow Jamaican, Nesta Carter, Britain’s new sprint sensation Dasaolu James and America’s Roger Michael over 100m at the Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games.
The London Olympics 100m gold medalist spoke in glamorous terms about 2012, adding that competing in the nation’s capital gives him joy.
“It’s a great memory, it was a wonderful experience and I didn’t know what to expect. I really stamped my class in London. I really like competing in London, I really enjoy it and it’s good to feed off the crowd.”
